Travel

Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth), a destination named after Nelson Mandela - humanitarian, freedom fighter and world icon of peace - is located 763km east of Cape Town and 1066km from Johannesburg. Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s second oldest city and also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape. It is situated on the South Eastern Coast of South Africa (most southern country on the African continent). We form part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro which also includes the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch. To find us on a map, enter our GPS Coordinates: 33°58'S 25°36'E.

Nelson Mandela Bay is surrounded by world-class tourist destinations that showcase the abundance of wild beauty that is indigenous to South Africa and the Eastern Cape. This gives athletes and spectators the chance to become tourists as they get the opportunity to visit these unique locations, including its beautiful coastline. One of PE's greatest treasures are the clean beaches and warm water, making it an ideal water sport destination.

Apart from its outdoor attractions, the city of Port Elizabeth boasts features such as the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex – directly across the road from Hobie Beach - which is always a popular destination during Ironman weekend. The city also features a multitude of historic and cultural attractions, with the Eastern Cape also operating as the heart of South Africa’s motor industry.

Where to go and what to see

For advice on what to do, where to eat or simply how to make the most of your stay in Nelson Mandela Bay, please visit Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s website and discover all the attractions of our beautiful Metropole!

Travelling to Port Elizabeth from an international destination is possible via one of South Africa’s major international airports. Athletes are recommended to fly in to Port Elizabeth (PLZ) via Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JHB) or via the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Athletes can take a connecting domestic flight to Port Elizabeth from either of these two destinations or can travel to Port Elizabeth via car from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

From O.R. Tambo International Airport head southwest on O.R. Tambo Airport Road towards the “To Parking Road” indicator. O.R. Tambo Airport Road will turn slightly left and become Short Term Parking Road. Travel in the direction of Exit 46, then take Exit 46 on the right to merge with the R24 towards Johannesburg. After 8.4km take the exit onto the N12/R24 and travel 1.3km before taking exit 113 onto the N3 S/N12 toward M2/Kimberley/Germiston/Durban. Merge onto the N12/N3 and continue to follow the N12 for 25.4km before taking exit 67 for the M68 towards Soweto. After 450m keep right at the fork and follow the signs for the N12/Bloemfontein/Kimberley and head onto the N1.

After 610km on the N1, take a slight right onto the N9 for 95.2km, then turn left onto the N10. Turn right onto Stockenstroom Street/N10/R61, turn left onto Voortrekker Street/N10/R61, then turn right onto Hospitaal Street/N10/R61 to continue onto the N10. Travel for 195km on the N10 before merging with the N2.

Travel on the N2, keeping left after 24.2km, to continue on the N2 for another 21.5km. Take the 751B exit to the Settlers Highway/M4 to Port Elizabeth. Continue for 7.3km to reach Humewood Road and keep slightly to the left to reach Beach Road and continue onto Marine Drive. Hobie Beach, the venue for the swim start, will be situated on your left. From Cape Town, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)

From the Cape Town International Airport, head south and keep left at the fork to turn left toward Michigan Street. In 120m turn right into Michigan Street. Drive 350m and turn left into Borcherds Quarry Road for 700m to merge with the N2 via the ramp to Somerset.

Once on the N2, drive 414km and continue to exit to the right onto the N2 road (there will be a shopping centre to your left at the fork in the road). Drive for 318km until you reach the 751B exit to the Settlers Highway/M4 to Port Elizabeth. Continue for 7.3km to reach Humewood Road and keep slightly to the left to reach Beach Road and continue onto Marine Drive. Hobie Beach, the venue for the swim start, will be situated on your left.

The Ironman South Africa Race Office is in the Boardwalk Convention Centre on Marine Drive opposite Hobie Beach.

From the exit at Port Elizabeth International Airport turn right at the roundabout into Allister Miller Drive. Continue straight, passing another roundabout, to remain on Allister Miller Drive. Turn right onto La Roche Road and travel for 2.1km before turning right into Beach Road. Continue onto Marine Drive. Hobie Beach, the venue for the swim start, will be situated on your left.